The former Sevilla coach is gradually coming to terms with life at White Hart Lane. "I was expecting pressure when I landed," Ramos said. "I knew I was taking over a team with a few problems sports-wise and the change has been huge. But I'm hoping to reverse the situation and things will get more comfortable with time. The challenge motivates me, that is why I'm here."

Ramos steered Sevilla to Uefa Cup final success in January against today's opponents in Eindhoven, and he would welcome a repeat performance from his new team with just one win so far this season, against Derby.

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He said: "The team is going to have to work very hard. Their obligation is to move up places. So the most important thing is the win."

Ramos will hope that Dimitar Berbatov can regain the form of last season. In the 2006-07 campaign, the Bulgarian striker claimed 23 goals but so far he has scored only twice, most recently at Fulham.

Ramos said: "He's one of the best quality players we have at the club and we want to have him with us for a long time to come. I'm sure he will have an excellent season. He looks quite happy and very well integrated into the team."

Ramos led Spurs to a 2-0 win over Blackpool in midweek in the Carling Cup – the club's first victory in seven games. After the game at the Riverside and a Uefa Cup tie in Israel, Tottenham have Premier League games against Wigan, West Ham and Birmingham, chance enough to pull away from the bottom three.